The United States Environmental Protection Agency has officially banned white asbestos (or chrysotile). It is the most common type of asbestos in international trade and, according to agency estimates, is responsible for approximately 40,000 deaths each year in the United States. The news is reported by Washington Post. The EPA's fight against asbestos has continued for decades. The agency previously tried to ban the toxic mineral 30 years ago, but was blocked by a federal judge. However, the use of this material has already declined since then. “It's taken a long time, but with today's ban, we are finally closing the door on a chemical so dangerous that it has been banned in more than 50 countries,” the administrator said. EPA, Michael Regan.
What is white asbestos and where is it used
Chrysotile asbestos, more commonly known as white asbestos, is a natural mineral. It has excellent physicochemical properties because it is particularly resistant to high temperatures and has properties of incombustibility, malleability, sound absorption and thermal insulation. For these reasons, it has been widely used in the construction of sheet metal products, buildings and fittings. But also, as evidenced by the W.P., to purify drinking water, as well as in pharmaceuticals and pesticides. It is indeed no coincidence that the American Chemistry Council, the trade group representing the chlorine industry, opposed the ban, stating that “this decision will make it difficult for utilities to purchase chlorine waters, thus threatening the safety of drinking water. of the nation”.
White asbestos is carcinogenic
In the past, the World Health Organization has been unequivocal in stating that all types of asbestos are carcinogenic. However, for years, manufacturing companies have downplayed the risks associated with white asbestos, claiming that modern technologies would reduce the dangerous impact of the product to zero. The version widely demonstrated by sector studies is different. In fact, in our country, white asbestos was banned in 1992.
Photo 106442202 | Asbestos © Francesco Scatena | Dreamstime.com
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